national farmers union

SEATTLE, WASH.-NFU President Cory Ollikka and nearly a dozen NFU members joined in peaceful protests against the upcoming WTO talks. The NFU contingent marched along side farmers from Mexico, Central America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S.A. In total, an estimated 50,000 farmers, workers, and citizens concerned about the environment, their local communities, and economies marched through the streets of Seattle.

"Over the last 25 years, Canadian farmers have tripled their gross output from $9 billion to $29 billion, they have quadrupled their exports, and net farm income has decreased. The export-oriented, production-expansion, free trade model has been an absolute failure for Canadian farmers and rural communities. Judging by the tens of thousands of people on the streets yesterday, it is clear that model has worked no better in other sectors," said NFU President Cory Ollikka from Seattle.

He continued: "We've seen demonstrations around the world, in western Canada over the past year, and now in Seattle. Farmers and others need to understand the underlying cause for all of these demonstrations is the same: a world trade and economic system that pillages the family farm, the local community, the environment, and our resources while enriching a few corporations."

"Farm families are committed to producing safe, nutritious food, protecting the environment, and supporting their local communities. The WTO and its global food trade system take direct aim at family farms. If farmers and consumers allow the WTO system to replace the family farm with an industrial model, farmers, consumers, and the environment will suffer," said Ollikka.

The NFU President went on to note that the future of all Canadians is at stake. "The WTO not only threatens the family farm and food safety, the WTO negotiations on services, the GATS, will take direct aim at Canada's health care and education systems. The Americans and others want to remove all 'barriers to trade'. It turns out that medicare and our locally-administered public educational systems are such barriers."

The NFU contingent will remain in Seattle until Saturday, December 4 to attend educational meetings on the WTO and agriculture, monitor the Canadian government negotiators, and meet with farm groups from around the world.

To reach the NFU in Seattle, dial the University Motel at (206) 522-4724. As a backup, try the cell phone for the Via Campesina: (306) 222-8752